Category: News

 Annual Appeal – Enter Our Pebble Beach Raffle

This year, our Annual Appeal will feature a raffle for a trip to play Pebble Beach!  For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc. 

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held February 27, 2023. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.

For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.  

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/childrens-golf-foundation-inc/first-tee-florida-gold-coast-pebble-beach-raffle

 Connor Jones

Connor Jones, U.S.C.G, has been playing golf for the last 3 years. He has been a participant in our veterans’ programs since last summer. 

When talking about his experience in our 8-week programs he said: “The coaches and golfers involved offer a great environment for beginner golfers. I have enjoyed learning and playing with fellow veterans who share the same love for the game. I look forward to being involved with First Tee and Mission United for years to come.”

Are you a veteran or know of a veteran interested in registering for one of our free programs? Please contact [email protected].

Our veterans’ programs are generously funded by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

 Summer Fun With Boys & Girls Clubs

Over the past summer, we conducted programming at three locations with the Boys and 

Girls Clubs and impacted over 100 participants. Every week Coach Chris Cupp, PGA would set up different activities to keep it fun and challenging for the students.  We conducted clinics to teach the different aspects of golf, from the full swing to putting.  We ended every class with a friendly competition which helped demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for other participants. 

 Crockett Foundation Outreach Program

Our fall golf programs with the Crockett Foundation are underway. Both Sommerset Middle School and Pompano Beach Middle School are participating in 9 sessions of classes to learn about golf and our life skills curriculum. Eighteen students from the Pompano Beach Middle School attend class at the Pompano Beach Golf Course. Week one was taught by First Tee Coaches Robert Ferzoco and Jim Rondeau.

 Students Play In Ladies Pro-Am 

Three of our students played in the PGA Champions TOUR TimberTech Ladies Pro-Am at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA accompanied students Olivia St. Antoine, Isabella Cecere, and Natalie Sosa.  The group had an amazing time playing and watching a clinic put on by Annika Sorenstam. The group, led by Pro Trevor Dodd, PGA placed 9th in the tournament.

“It was an unbelievable day,” said Natalie Sosa.  “I am very thankful to First Tee for selecting me to play.  We met Annika, learned a lot from Trevor, and they gave us so much SWAG!” 

Sponsor Spotlight: Steady Returns

Steady Returns is a registered investment adviser dedicated to the financial needs of retirees and high net worth investors. They look for significant, long-term trends to guide our investment allocations. For more information, please contact Chapter Director Chris Burr at [email protected]

The Junior Honda Classic

Get ready for The Junior Honda Classic on Saturday, January 7-8, 2023. The Junior Honda Classic is a premier event on the IMG Junior Golf Tour schedule and celebrates junior golf while perpetuating The Honda Classic’s initiatives to grow the game. Boys and girls ages 7-18 can participate in this event. This event returns to PGA National Resort & Spa as well. 

For more information and to register, visit the website.

Martin County Police Athletic League

We are delighted to partner with the Martin County Police Athletic League to provide golf lessons and life skills curriculum at the newly renovated Sailfish Sands Golf Course. Martin County PAL is a crime prevention community program designed to provide alternatives to drugs, crime, delinquency, and violence through sports and mentoring. PAL also develops the bond between the youth of Martin County and law enforcement. 

Recognizing Director Lenny Loyd

Chapter Director Lenny Loyd is retiring from the Treasure Coast Board after 10 years of service.  Lenny was a member of our founding group of Directors coming on board in 2012.  With his continued support, he has watched our Chapter grow and thrive to serve thousands of children, teens and veterans in Martin and St. Lucie Counties.

“Lenny is an accomplished musician and golfer and has played in USGA events, including the U.S. Mid Am and many international tournaments,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta.  “He has been my personal friend for 25 years and a dedicated Director for the chapter.  We appreciate his many years of service to our organization.”

Most recently, Lenny has been raising and contributing funds to support our veterans’ programs.  (Pictured above: Lenny with Chapter President Andrew Hunt and two of our veteran participants that played in our tournament at Sailfish Point.)

Sailfish Point Tourney Recap

The members and staff of Sailfish Point have been longtime supporters of our children and veterans. They generously hosted our annual tournament this year.

“We are so grateful to the club, Club President Dan Dreisbach and Director of Golf Victor Tortorici and his staff for hosting our tournament,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt.  “I have made many friends at Sailfish Point and they are very supportive of our organization and the community.”

The net winners with a score of 53 were Carl Beatty, Kevin Martow, Eric VanTrump and Kevin Ryan (pictured above left). The gross winners with a score of 63 were Brad Wheatley, Maddox Morneau, Chas Golibart and Chapter Director Morgan Jewell (pictured above right).

The event was an incredible success due to the support of our generous sponsors:

Our Students Enjoy Trip To PGA TOUR Championship

Five different youth development organizations participated in our programs with Coach Willie Scott at Fairwinds Golf Course.  The groups were from Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Project Lift, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, S.W.O.R.D and Fort Pierce Police Department RICH House.  The five organizations raised nearly $12,000 to pay for 38 people, including 23 teenagers and 15 chaperones to experience a trip of a lifetime to the 2022 PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA.

During the trip, the group not only experienced the tournament, but also visited the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum, World of Coca-Cola Museum, and Six Flags.

Our Program Director, Emily Valentine, was a chaperone on this trip. She said that: “The trip was so much fun! This was truly a life changing experience for teens in the Fort Pierce community. This was an opportunity to spread their wings, and for some, this was their first trip out of the state. We cannot thank our five outreach partners enough for their continued support in running these programs all year long.”

We want to give a special thank you to event supporters: First Tee – Treasure Coast, BOTG, Fairwinds Golf Course, Titleist Performance Institute, Children’s Services of St. Lucie County, Al Johnson, Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County, Project Lift, Julius Davis, and The Rusty Putter.

A portion of the trip was funded by a Teen Retention Grant from PGA TOUR Superstore.  The group met and spoke with Ralph Stokes, Vice President, Diversity, Partnerships & Community Relations from Superstore at the tournament (pictured above right).